Outback Towns

Bourke

Bourke conjures up images of "outback Australia". It is a must see for any Australian outback adventure.

About Bourke

Back o’ Bourke

If you want ‘outback’ you’ll find it at Bourke, as the Australian expression ‘Back ‘o Bourke’ means about as far as you can go.

Located 789 km north-west of Sydney, Bourke is situated on the Darling River a thriving country town with a population around 3500 and a sense of prosperity which is the result of its geographic importance as the centre of a large wool, cotton and citrus area.

Henry Lawson History

Architecture plays a strong hand in the streetscape of Bourke with several buildings dating back to the 1870's, with some frequented and mentioned in the stories of Henry Lawson. Henry Lawson wrote 'If you know Bourke, you know Australia.'

Sidney Kidman – Cattle King

It is the country of Sidney Kidman, the cattle king, who created the largest pastoral empire the world has ever known.

Scenery

Mt Oxley and Mt Gundabooka are both worth a look for anyone interested in amazing outback scenery, birds and wildlife. A local bird list identifying 140 types of birds in the region can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre.

Make sure you photograph the mural in Anson St painted by Lightning Ridge artist John Murray, named "Gateway to the Real Outback".

Up the river by paddle boat

The Paddleboat Jandra recaptures the romance of the old river-steamers, with a 2-hour cruise along the quiet waters of the Darling River. The Jandra leaves from the Kidman’s Camp Caravan Park during the season Easter to October Long weekend.

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